An aquaponics system is basically a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics, without the drawbacks these systems have. Aquaponics eradicates the issues common to these systems by adhering to sound ecological principles.

Aquaculture involves rearing fish in densely stocked tanks, which is both cruel and ecologically damaging. Such intensive conditions result in high levels of nitrogen compounds from fish waste, which is toxic to the fish. Because of this, a significant percentage of the water of the fish holding tanks must be flushed out and replenished. This results in significant water use and frequently the discharged waste finds it way into rivers and streams, thereby polluting them.

Nutrient solutions are used to provide nutrients to the vegetables produced in a hydroponic system. The strength and acidity of this solution needs monitoring, which requires costly equipment. The growing environment in a hydroponics system is not conducive to the well-being of the plants, and health problems are common. Regular replenishment of the nutrient solution is required to stop the chemicals from rising to dangerous concentrations. As with aquaculture a large volume of water is used for discharging effluent from the nutrient tank, and environmental contamination is an issue.

In aquaponics systems fish waste supplies food to the vegetables, and the vegetables and bacteria inhabiting the grow beds clean the water. Solid matter is turned into compost by red composting worms. These different elements come together to form a stable system that is almost completely self-supporting.

The water is recycled, and the only ongoing water use is just for replacement of water lost by evaporation and transpiration. It provides an ideal environment for both plants and fish where disease is rare.

Before being taken up by the vegetables, the nutritious compounds in waste first have to be processed. This processing is performed by nitrifying bacteria in the grow beds and is referred to as the nitrogen cycle.

Of the different forms of aquaponics system, flood and drain is the best type for the beginner. It is the simplest system to understand, setup and maintain and it enables you to raise the widest variety of produce. Versatility and simplicity are the definitive characteristics of this kind of system.

Media-filled beds are used for growing vegetables in this type of system. Water is pumped into the grow beds from a tank containing fish underneath. The water can then drain back into the fish tank until the beds have emptied. This repeated flooding and draining is continual and is controlled by automatic siphon (for an in-depth explanation read Aquaponics Auto Siphon [http://www.aquaponics-for-beginners.com/aquaponics-auto-siphon/]). By allowing the grow beds fill and then empty, the plants are fed and their roots are subsequently aerated.

I will briefly cover the other types of system.

In Continuous Flow aquaponics systems, water that contains waste flows continually through the plant beds, which are kept from filling up.

In aquaponics systems of the Nutrient Film Technique type, water from the fish tank runs in a very thin layer down special channels. Vegetables in plastic containers are put in the channels, and their roots touch the water. The chief disadvantage of this kind of method is that it is only suitable for certain types of vegetables.

In systems of the Deep Water Culture type, vegetables are grown on floats with their root systems hanging in the water. Again, this method is only suitable for certain types of vegetables.

Aquaponics has a number of benefits. Cheap fish feed is used instead of high-priced nutrient solutions, costly equipment is not needed, and only minimal occasional checks are necessary.

This kind of growing method is completely organic. It is the best, most productive type of organic gardening method available. It won't work properly if you use artificial plant feed or pesticides because these will kill the fish and other organisms. Because of this, it has to be run completely organically. A lot less effort is needed than with other systems. Feeding and watering are totally automated. Weeds will not grow in this kind of system, so pulling weeds is no longer necessary. Elevated plant beds mean you don't have to strain, and they cannot be reached by many pest species.